When it comes to classic '90s anime, Sailor Moon was one of the most popular shojo anime of the time — and not just in Japan. Due to the success of this anime, many believe that Sailor Moon helped pave the way for the future popularity and success of anime outside of Japan.
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This was such a beloved series that in 2014 when the latest version of Sailor Moon was released, Sailor Moon Crystal, many fans were ecstatic with the changes that were made, while others were not. Like most anime, Sailor Moon is no exception to filler episodes. But what is interesting is that there are several filler episodes that are worth watching.
Updated by Lauren Turner on March 10, 2023: Sailor Moon is an iconic magical girl anime, and it set the standard for many of the tropes fans see today. The original '90s anime deviates from the manga in that it has lots of filler episodes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Many fans adore the '90s Sailor Moon for its nostalgia factor. As such, we've revamped this list with more information for fans interested in the very best filler episodes.
10 "Storm Of Love! Minako's Grand Two-Timing Plan"
Episode 141
As the original leader of the Sailor Senshi, Minako Aino (otherwise known as Sailor Venus) has a penchant for getting into some messy situations with her disastrous inability to juggle her duties as a Sailor Senshi and her life as a teenage girl.
"Storm Of Love! Minako's Grand Two-Timing Plan" epitomizes of Minako's two sides clashing together as she attempts to date two men to determine who she likes the most. But what she doesn't know is that they are both members of the Amazon Trio and are just using her for her dream mirror.
9 "A Night Just For Us: Usagi's Pinch"
Episode 184
"A Night Just For Us: Usagi's Pinch" is a classic anime filler episode in which the protagonist is afraid of being alone, so a male character offers to stay with her. In this case, Seiya Kou offers to stay with Usagi Tsukino, even though he is very much in love with her and wants nothing more than to be by her side and protect her — even if she has feelings for someone else.
Usagi's friends and fellow Sailor Senshi are worried about leaving Seiya and Usagi alone and decide to stop by. This is incredible foresight, as the Sailor Animamates attack.
8 "The Scream Of Dead Souls: The Mystery Of Terror Camp"
Episode 183
The Sailor Senshi go camping, hoping to find romance and love. Instead, they're met with terror as a mysterious monster begins to destroy campsites. Rei Hino, who has a cousin nearby, visits him only to find his cabin destroyed similarly.
The Sailor Senshi jump to action when the monster appears, and a battle persists. But the monster was a Phage. After the phage has been turned back into a human, it turns out it is Kengo, Rei's cousin. This is the first time a member of Rei's family other than her grandfather makes an appearance in Sailor Moon.
7 "Love And Chased: Luna's Worst Day Ever"
Episode 31
Even though "Love And Chased: Luna's Worst Day Ever" doesn't revolve around the Sailor Senshi, it's still an amazing watch, as it focuses on Luna's journey at the beginning of Sailor Moon to find the crystal holders and the Youm, monsters sent by the Dark Kingdom to gather energy and kill the Sailor Senshi.
During Luna's search, all the cats in the local area despise her, and she is constantly attacked until one cat saves and protects her. Ultimately, the cat that saves Luna is the Youma that Luna had been searching for.
6 "True Love Awakens! The Makaiju's Secret"
Episode 59
"True Love Awakens! The Makaiju's Secret" is filled with life lessons for both the Makaiju, the tree from which the villains, Ail and An, were born, and the viewers. The episode is also a part of an entire filler arc, Sailor Moon R, that aired while waiting for the manga to be updated.
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Sailor Moon fights for her friends and Mamoru and shows Ail and An that love cannot be bought or demanded. "True Love Awakens! The Makaiju's Secret" is the last episode in an epic ending to the Sailor Moon R arc.
5 "For Love And Justice! A Sailor Guardian Once Again"
Episode 48
As much as Usagi enjoys being the only Sailor Senshi, she isn't able to cope by herself. Not only that, but none of the other guardians have their memories — not even Mamoru Chiba, her love interest.
While the girls audition for a play, trouble stirs in the form of An and Ail, who decide to release a Minotauron to steal the energy from humans. But when the creature saps Sailor Moon's energy, Luna has no choice but to awaken the other Sailor Senshi. Once their memories have been returned, the remaining guardians come together to destroy the Minotauron.
4 "Taiki Sings With Excellence: A Believing Heart Carried By A Song"
Episode 185
There are very few episodes with Taiki Kou as the main character, but they're not to be missed when they do occur. Even though he is dealing with the stress of being an idol for Three Lights and hoping that their Princess hears their music, Taiki agrees to accompany Usagi to the hospital to help encourage Misa, a young girl in desperate need of surgery who loves Three Lights and listens to their music while drawing.
When Misa takes a turn for the worst, Usagi and Taiki go to the hospital, where Misa explains she couldn't finish the drawing for Taiki before going into her surgery. When Taiki views the sketchbook, he notices Misa was drawing their Princess. Misa explains that when Three Lights would sing, she would see this woman who made her feel warm and comforted. At that, Taiki tells Misa she will be fine during her surgery. It's an incredibly heartwarming episode.
3 "True Power Explodes: Ami's Song Of The Heart"
Episode 151
Due to Ami Mizuno's quiet and shy nature and her ability to achieve good grades, she is often misunderstood by her peers. People rarely look beneath the surface to see the girl hiding beneath. "True Power Explodes: Ami's Song Of The Heart" shows that there's more to Ami than just the surface-level appearance that most see. When she hears a beautiful song on the radio, she desires to compose song lyrics.
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But when Ami meets the man who possibly produced the song and his dream of being remembered for his art, she grows insecure about writing and composing for fun. This episode is a great, in-depth look into Ami, AKA Sailor Mercury.
2 "Entrusting Dreams And Romance To The Stars: Taiki's Transformation"
Episode 177
Romantic disagreements are often found in anime, as they can lead to drama-fueled situations that are highly entertaining. Taiki rejects Ami's notion of dreams and romance, saying that they aren't as important as science, which leads to hostility between the two. When they're invited to the astronomy teacher's house later the next evening to view a comet, he replies that he'll go to the viewing if the dreams and romance can stop the terrible weather.
Unfortunately, the teacher is attacked and turned into a phage, and he attacks Ami. Hearing her screams, Taiki makes it to the house and assists her, along with Usagi, who was on the way to the house to view the comet. With their combined efforts, they're able to transform the teacher back. During that time, the weather cleared up, and the group could see the comet clearly with the professor's telescope. Upon seeing it, Taiki has a change of heart and tells Ami he understands what she meant about dreams and romance and makes the most of it.
1 "A New Transformation: Usagi Powers Up"
Episode 51
More often than not, many heroes accept their powers and never doubt their abilities — they embrace them wholeheartedly. But sometimes, heroes doubt their powers and why they were chosen. When the Sailor Senshin are attacked, Usagi's powers malfunction, leaving her vulnerable and in danger.
When Luna and Usagi are transported through a portal, Luna explains why Usagi's powers have been malfunctioning — she isn't committed to being a Sailor Senshin anymore. When Queen Serenity repairs Usagi's broach and gives her a new item, the Cutie Moon Rod, she realizes she has the power and strength to save herself and her friends.
NEXT: 10 Best Sailor Moon Quotes
